The fundamental hormones that distinguish men from women help govern our health in many ways, such as how our bodies react to certain medical conditions, including rosacea. Although rosacea affects both women and men, the symptoms that individuals experience often differ depending on their gender.
Women are three to four times more likely to develop rosacea, particularly during or after menopause because of hormonal changes in the body. They tend to experience flushing of the cheeks (which can be triggered by hot flashes during menopause) and redness of the chin, whereas men are more likely to show signs of rhinophyma. Rhinophyma is characterized by a large and bumpy red nose, and it has been linked to chronic swelling that occurs when the body’s lymphatic system has difficulty clearing away accumulated fluid.
Men may also experience more severe symptoms of rosacea, because they are more likely to ignore early symptoms and warning signs and therefore delay treatment. However, women with rosacea may suffer from more frequent migraines and headaches than men, which could be caused by changes in blood flow that come with age-related hormonal changes (Rosacea Review, 2000).
Regardless of the gender differences in rosacea symptoms between men and women, it is important to know that the risks and consequences for ignoring rosacea can be equally damaging to both sexes—and that proper treatment and preventive care are equally beneficial.
Vancouver dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers has created a range of skincare products to help the patients in his Vancouver clinic manage facial redness. He is offering a free, 15-day supply of his Redness Control line for a limited time.
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